QUETTA, June 26: Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch informed the Balochistan Assembly on Wednesday that six officials who “failed to protect the Quaid-i-Azam’s residency in Ziarat from an attack by militants” had been suspended.

The historic residency was destroyed in the attack on June 15.

Winding up the debate on the budget, he said it was the responsibility of government officials and security forces to protect the national heritage, but Deputy Commissioner Tahir Nadeem, District Police Officer Asghar Ali, the SHO of Ziarat police station, DSP and two guards posted at the residency were found to be negligent of their duty. Therefore, they had been suspended.

Dr Baloch said he would not accept any recommendation from a legislator for transfer and posting of officials and would instead reveal the name of the member on the floor of the house.

He said no single party could claim the credit for transfer of powers to the federating units under the 18th Amendment but all political groups had played a role in empowering the provinces.

The chief minister said his government welcomed positive criticism on the budget and promised to accommodate good suggestions of members of the opposition. He said he would never tolerate corruption and that wrongdoers would be punished.